Virus alert: Kournikova variant spreads through Europe

NEWS Hosted anti-virus centre MessageLabs has intercepted 8,000 infected emails since 20:30(BST) on Tuesday - and the numbers are rising fast. The virus is affecting Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. According to virus technologist Alex Shipp, the VBS worm - dubbed 'homepage' - probably originated in Australia, spreading through Asia Pacific yesterday before hitting Europe overnight. "It's made with the same virus kit as Anna Kournikova," Shipp said. "Anti-virus software that couldn't detect Anna, can't detect this either." The email arrives with the subject: 'Hi ! You've got to see this page! It's really cool :O)'. First analysis of the encrypted file indicates the payload is not destructive but redirects browser homepages to one of four pornographic websites. Most anti-virus vendors have a protective signature available for download from their web sites.